Modular linkage device for coupling ribs of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame

Abstract

A modular linkage device used for coupling ribs of a multi-foldable umbrella frame, includes first and second modular linking halves disposed to confront each other in a pivot direction, and respectively having pivotal and pivoting holes registered with each other, and a fastening member including a shank body configured to permit a retained end thereof to fit in the pivotal hole and pass through the registered pivoting hole to be detachably engaged with the second modular linking half while an enlarged abutment end is brought to abut against an outward major surface of the first modular linking half so as to couple the ribs. The fastening member is detachable from the linking halves to permit the shank body to be nondestructively disengaged from the linking halves.

1 . A modular linkage device used for coupling one rib to the other rib, of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame, said modular linkage device comprising:
 an elongated first modular linking half having first inward and outward major surfaces opposite to each other in a pivot direction, and at least one pivotal hole extending through said first inward and outward major surfaces to define a pivotal axis;   an elongated second modular linking half having second inward and outward major surfaces opposite to each other in the pivot direction, and at least one pivoting hole which extends through said second inward and outward major surfaces to register with said pivotal holes when said second inward major surface is brought to confront said first inward surface in the pivot direction for bringing the one rib into coupling with the other rib; and   at least one fastening member including a shank body which has an enlarged abutment end and a retained end disposed lengthwise opposite to each other, said retained end being configured such that, immediately after said retained end is brought from said first outward major surface along a fastening route to fit in the pivotal axis, and to continue on passing frictionally through said pivoting hole, said retained end is detachably engaged with said second outward major surface while said enlarged abutment end is brought to abut against said first outward major surface, thereby coupling the one rib to the other rib, and such that, when said fastening member is to be detached from said first and second modular linking halves, said retained end is nondestructively disengaged from said second outward major surface, and said shank body is retrieved along the fastening route so as to be disengaged from said first outward major surface, thereby permitting one rib to be decoupled from the other rib.   
     
     
         2 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 1 , wherein said shank body of said fastening member between said first and second inward major surfaces is configured to permit the one rib to be coaxially and detachably coupled to the other rib about the pivotal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 2 , wherein said retained end of said fastening member is enlarged to cooperate with said shank body to form a shoulder abutment surface so as to be retained to said second outward major surface. 
     
     
         4 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 3 , wherein said retained end of said fastening member is splitted into a plurality of engaging portions to have a lengthwise gap therebetween so as to vest said engaging portions with a biasing force to move away from each other such that, immediately after said retained end is brought to pass frictionally through said pivoting hole against the biasing force, said engaging portions are urged by the biasing force to be retained to said second outward major surface. 
     
     
         5 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 4 , wherein said retained end of said fastening member is tapered to facilitate insertion of said retained end into said pivoting hole. 
     
     
         6 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 4 , wherein said fastening member further includes a washer which is configured to be sleeved on said shank body and which is interposed between said second outward major surface and said shoulder abutment surface. 
     
     
         7 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 3 , wherein said shank body of said fastening member includes an outer shank sleeve which extends from said enlarged abutment end, and an inner shank core which extends from said retained end, and which is configured to be fitted in said outer shank sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 7 , wherein said inner shank core and said outer shank sleeve respectively have circumferential protrusions and recesses configured to permit said inner shank core is press fitted into said outer shank sleeve. 
     
     
         9 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 8 , wherein said inner shank core has a cutout portion extending lengthwise through said circumferential protrusions to interrupt continuity of said circumferential protrusions so as to facilitate removal of said circumferential protrusions out of said recesses in a circumferential direction. 
     
     
         10 . The modular linkage device according to  claim 2 , wherein said pivoting hole is in form of a screw hole, said shank body of said fastening member having an externally threaded portion which is disposed to be threadedly engaged with said screw hole.